Prologue: Red Eyed Encounter
Hello everyone. A new story to make. I do not own anything from any media.
A male teenager was shown walking on a pathway. The person in question had a slim built. His hair was long and straight, reaching at waist length. It was black with no luster, making it dark as night. His eyes were an icy blue color. He was wearing a school uniform consisting of a white button shirt with a black sweater and a dark blue tie. He was wearing black pants with black shoes.
"Quite a welcoming path for newcomers." The boy muttered.
The pathway was lined with cherry blossoms. They were at full bloom, indicating the start of Spring. However, the boy's expression was by no means pleasant. He had a serious look on his face.
'This is where I'll have to train myself in order to take down that organization. The Fallen Absolute.' He thought.
While walking, a girl noticed the transfer student. Her appearance consisted of a female school uniform which was black on the abdomen and white on the arms and shoulders. The skirt was a blue color. Her hair was a light brown color but her eyes had a calming, olive green color. Her hair was tied into a high ponytail via a green ribbon. She looked interested in knowing the boy.
"So this what they mean by a 'handsome prince'." The girl said.
The boy looked back with disinterest look. It unnerved the girl but she persisted.
"You must be new here. Why don't we walk together?" She asked.
The boy didn't bother uttering a word. The girl decided to follow him, despite the silence.
"I never seen a guy with such long hair. Have you been letting it grow?" The girl asked.
Again, no response was given. The girl looked at the boy, who remained silent.
"I'm asking you a question... Have you been letting your hair grow?" She asked slowly.
The boy nodded. He didn't like to speak out.
"The shy and quiet type... Don't worry, you'll fit in the school just fine." She said, trying to reassure him.
The boy was thinking about the school in front of him.
'Koryo Academy High School... It is an all-expenses-paid academy with free room and board. It was established by the Dorn Agency.' He thought, remembering the details of the place.
"It's quite a dream to come here." The girl said.
The boy looked at the girl with little interest, keeping a stoic look on his face.
"I'm the only one from my middle school to come here, so it made me nervous." The girl admitted.
Not giving a response from her comment, the girl puffed her cheeks and pouted.
"If you don't want to talk, it's fine. But can you at least respond?" The girl asked.
The boy said nothing, keeping himself quiet. This irked the girl, making her want for him to speak.
"In any case, we'll be able to study martial art techniques here." She said, trying to alleviate the tension.
Before she could expect him to speak, they could hear what sounded like sparring at a coliseum-like building. Blades were clashing, making clanging sounds.
"Oh, I haven't gotten to introduce myself." The girl said.
'Persistent…' The boy thought.
"My name is Nagakura Imari. This is going to be fun for the next three years." The girl said.
The boy sighed in response. Reluctant, he decided to speak out his name.
"Tsubasa Yami." He uttered.
The girl was surprised on what Yami said. The voice she heard was calm, yet it had a tone of pain, anger and hate. Before she could make him speak, an announcement rang out.
"The opening ceremony will begin soon. New and transfer students, please assemble in the study hall." The announcement called out.
"We should hurry to get to the meeting" Imari said.
Yami nodded and quickly took off. Imari followed him, surprised on how fast he was going.
'How quick...! Is he a ninja?' She thought comically.
######
Yami and Imari were on the study hall. The area was as large as a church sermon room. All the students were seated, awaiting for the speech.
'Large…' Yami thought.
'This place is huge... I expected something like a normal study hall, but not like this.' Imari thought.
By then, a short girl wearing an all-black maid outfit came to the stage platform. Her hair was a shiny black color. Her eyes were alright amethyst. She had a lace head piece with decorative flowers that were a soft violet at her ears. A podium was set for her to speak. She began to speak.
"To all new and transfer students, welcome to Koryo Academy. I am the Academy president, Tsukumo Sakuya." The woman said.
'Appearance belies on wisdom of a person.' Yami thought.
"We shall now perform our traditional Screening Rite." Sakuya said.
''Screening Rite?' Sounds like something is bound to come.' Yami thought.
"First off, please take notice of the person sitting next to you…" Sakuya stated.
Yami and Imari looked at each other. Immediately, Yami knew what was about to happen.
'A sudden death battle...' He thought.
"The person next to you shall be your opponent." Sakuya said.
"Looks like I'm your opponent, Tsubasa." Imari said.
Yami remained quiet, but he held his serious expression.
"Only those who win their fight shall be permitted entrance. The losers will have their Lukifers removed and will be vacated from the premises." Sakuya stated.
"What the...? This is completely new." A male student said in shock.
"Are you telling me the letter of acceptance wasn't enough to get in?" Another male student complained.
"A sudden battle? We have no combat experience!" A female said.
The Academy president paid no attention to the complaining students.
"Bear note of this: if your battle is not over within ten minutes, both members will be stripped of their Lukifers and will vacate the premises." Sakuya warned.
"Hold on a minute!" Imari said in a displeased tone.
"What is the matter?" Sakuya questioned
"Isn't this too much to say that we can't get in if we lose?" Imari asked.
"Consider this Koryo Academy's entrance examination." Sakuya answered.
Imari couldn't say anything after what she heard.
"The battle will represent on how you will struggle to survive on one simple rule: defeating others." Sakuya said.
"What about a normal exam? Can't we simply have that or is it wrong?" Imari continued.
Before anyone realized it, Yami spoke out loud.
"Field experience and academic experience are two different ways one could learn. Isn't that right, academy president?" Yami stated.
"It's exactly as you said, boy. You will all be plunged headfirst into combat. One must know that upon expressing interest in attending Koryo Academy." Sakuya said calmly.
"Can we switch partners on the other hand?" Yami questioned.
"No. The person beside you is your first enemy." Sakuya stated.
Imari frowned from the surprising sentiment that Yami showed.
"It's fine, Tsubasa. I appreciate what you were doing, but don't look at me like I'm a fool." Imari said.
"Never looked at you nor I mentioned you to be like one." Yami stated.
"Now, the battle will start. All of you must fight, children chosen from heaven, Paladins! You are all bequeathed the power needed. The weapon lies in your soul, your Blaze, to bring forth a future to one's desire!" Sakuya shouted with spirit.
The students were reluctant till a white haired girl began to summon her weapon. Yami briefly looked at the girl. She had pale skin, appearing white as snow. Her eyes were a ruby red color. Her hair was straight and also white, tied with two tails at the sides, leaving the rest flowing down.
"Blaze!" She said in a calm tone.
A symbol of magic came from her chest. Red orange fire erupted before the girl formed dual swords. The person next to her, a male, formed an axe. They began to fight fiercely. Soon, everyone summoned their Blaze and began to fight. Yami and Imari were left without their weapons summoned. Images of a massacre were flashing in Yami's mind.
'It's just like that time... That organization that killed my family...' Yami thought.
By then, Imari had a serious look and faced him.
"This is an obstacle that I must overcome in order for me to attempt the academy. I must defeat you, Yami. Blaze!" Imari said.
From Imari's soul, a katana with yellow lines running on the blade appeared.
"Show me your Blaze, Tsubasa!" Imari commanded.
He remained quiet, but he was ready to fight her.
"If that's the case, then I shall end this fight!" Imari said.
She then leaped up to perform an overhead slice. Yami leaped up into the air in two seconds before Imari hit the ground. Dust gathered where she landed. When the cloud was cleared a long crack was shown on the ground.
'So that's the power of her Blaze... The Lukifers are not one to underestimate…' Yami thought.
"My next attacks won't miss." Imari said, readying her stance.
She then charged forward, intending to stab Yami. Yami didn't exert much effort to dodge the attack. Imari then focused her attacks on him.
"You're fast on your reflexes, I'll give you that. But you can only dodge for so long!" She taunted.
Yami dodged the sword attacks with minimal effort, despite how numerous they were. Before Imari knew it, he stopped her attack by grabbing the sword mid swing.
"H-how!? No one can catch a katana at that speed and range!" Imari said in disbelief.
"Don't intent to fight me. I'm stronger than I look…" Yami said in a cold tone.
"Are you saying that you can defeat me without your Blaze?" Imari questioned.
Yami remained quiet but held his serious expression.
"Don't make a fool out of me! You haven't been taking this fight seriously! All you're doing is just dodging!" Imari protested.
By then a long clang was heard and a flying halberd was zooming in to Yami and Imari. Before anyone knew it, Yami dashed forward and jumped at the spinning halberd. He was seeing it move in a slower speed than anyone else. Everyone watched in awe as he kicked at the flat side of the blade. It went soaring to a wall before stabbing itself in it.
"A-amazing... You kicked that Blaze with such perception…" Imari stuttered in aghast.
Before she knew it, Yami began to summon his Blaze. It manifested as a silver bow with a blue inner color with inscribed runes. The sides of the bow were sharp as blades, almost as sharp as a katana. His hair masked his eyes as they suddenly changed into a crimson color.
"Is this...your Blaze...? A bow?" Imari said in shock.
"More than just a bow…" Yami said.
He then pulled the sides of the bow, separating the main handle. He was now wielding dual swords.
"I-Impossible... A Blaze comes from the soul in the form of a weapon! It doesn't change like that!" Imari quivered on shock.
"I'm not a regular user." Yami said.
"I understand why... However, I'm not backing down from this fight... Prepare yourself!" Imari called out.
She then dashed forward to slice him. Yami paid attention to how she was going to attack. Using the dual blades, he quickly caught Imari's sword like a pair of scissors.
"Don't take me for a fool, Imari-san." Yami stated.
He then swung his dual blades, hurling Imari's weapon away. This left her vulnerable. He then channeled energy to the dual blades and unleashed an x shaped shockwave. The force of the attack blew Imari off her feet, making her land on the ground, back first. Some of the students watching were amazed of the display. The same white haired girl noticed the technique and was mildly surprised.
"That boy shows some promise, wouldn't you agree, Sakuya-san?" A man said to her.
"Indeed. I have a feeling we will have a powerful trooper." Sakuya stated.
She then looked at her pocket watch and noticed that ten minutes have elapsed.
"Time's up! Those who are victorious in their battle are permitted entry. Allow me to provide you these words: may you all someday reach Absolute Duo." Sakuya stated.
######
Outside, the students who lost were leaving the academy. Imari took notice of the people not showing any injuries.
"All that fighting, yet there's no injury on them. Not even a bruise…" She stated in amazement.
"Blazes are weapons of the soul. They can harm you on your spirit, but if a person wills them to, they can inflict injury." Yami explained.
"That reminds me, you were indeed holding back in that fight." Imari suspected.
"If that were a real fight, I would've end up killing you in over 50 ways. I held back so I won't cause permanent injuries." Yami validated.
Imari realized that despite Yami's cold exterior, he had a calming heart. She smiled in response.
"You're a nice person, Yami. However, you need to realize that you shouldn't do this anymore." She said.
"I know... In a battle, one mistake can take one's life. We'll be fighting in battlefields soon." Yami casually stated.
Imari noticed how mature he sounded. She then walked up to him at his face.
"Congratulations on being accepted, Yami. Take care." She said, leaving the premises.
######
Inside the school, Yami was walking uncomfortably. His arms were slightly sore from using the shockwave attack.
'The Air Wave Blade... A double edged technique from the Tsubasa family faction... The technique allows one to create a wave of condensed wind from a sword that's sharp enough to cut through titanium alloys. The aftereffects of constant usage can be fatal if I stress the muscles on my arms too much…' Yami thought.
He then began thinking about the term 'Lukifers'.
'Lukifers refer to that experimental compound that allows one to form a Blaze weapon. If anything, a Blaze manifests from one's soul, depending on aspects of personality.' He thought in explanation.
This made Yami realize something else.
"This academy is a research facility for the guinea pigs, the students." He deduced.
Yami walked his way to the first year classroom without getting lost.
######
Inside the classroom, Yami found a lone seat at the left side of the classroom. He found it more comforting with no one to bother him.
'I don't have time to waste with others. My purpose is to grow stronger…' Yami thought.
By then, the classroom doors opened. The same white haired girl in the sudden battle came inside. Everyone was amazed from her appearance.
"Wow... She's so cute... It's like I'm looking at a doll." A female student said.
"Whoa... A bishōjo and a cute one." A male student said.
Yami didn't bother looking but he could sense the girl was looking at him. Knowing that she'll be sitting near him, he reluctantly moved to the far right. The whole class saw the brief display and were internally fuming. The girl decided to take a seat at the window, staring at him from a distance.
"Who is this guy...? Sitting near that girl is what every male would dream of…" A male student said.
Yami looked at the male student in question with a glare. It caused the student immediately froze from the sharp look.
'Never mind what I said... This guy is creepy…' The male thought with a shiver.
Again, Yami paid no heed to the commentary from the other students. He only stayed by himself from the students, not wanting to interact with them. However, his privacy was interrupted by the silver haired girl looking at him.
"Cast your staring aside please..." Yami said.
The silver haired girl didn't look away. She kept her gaze at him.
'Troublesome... I'm not something special.' He thought.
By then, an energetic voice rang out.
"Hello, hello!"
The whole class was surprised from the voice. By then, a woman suddenly performed a rolling flip. She landed directly in back of the teacher's desk.
'Not bad for a flashy entrance.' Yami thought.
The whole class had a good look on the woman. She was wearing a French Maid outfit with a pair of bunny ears on the head. Her eyes were a deep purple color while the hair was a dark purple color. It was flowing freely, giving her a somewhat wild look.
"Pleased to meet everyone! I'm your homeroom teacher, Tsukimi Rito! But, you can call me Professor Bunbun!" She said in an energetic tone, making hopping steps.
The whole class was in complete surprise. They didn't expect a teacher like Rito to suddenly arrive in a childish way. Yami was bothered by the silver haired girl staring at him, despite the sudden appearance of the homeroom teacher. Same person noticed the lack of response.
"Dear me! What could be the problem?" Rito asked.
'Your sudden arrival is the problem.' Yami irked in thought.
"Oh! Are you perhaps dazzled by how cute I look? Goodness gracious!" Rito said in childish embarrassment.
"We don't even know how to react right now!" The whole class said.
Yami had his face on the desk from the sudden comment. He was holding his irritation back.
'Petulant and embarrassing... That girl is still staring at me after all this...!?' Yami thought comically.
His thoughts were cut off from Rito speaking out.
"Okay, everyone! Let's introduce yourselves!" She said.
Several students began to introduce themselves. Yami paid no attention to the introductions. He heard the names loud and clear.
"Now, who's next?" Rito said.
She then pointed at Yami. He looked reluctant to say his name in front of everyone.
"Tsubasa Yami..." He said in a calm but cold tone.
"Oh, aren't we a bit cold? Lighten up, Tsubasa. You have a unique name for yourself. I also remember that you're that Irregular. No person can change their Blaze, no matter what. You have been the whole talk among the staff." Rito said.
"Circumstances caused my Blaze to become a distinguishing aspect. I will not disclose any details." Yami said.
"Next up is the guy at the left desk." She said.
"Kokonoe Tooru." The boy said.
"Oh, the other Irregular. You're equally surprising as well. Next up, the silver haired girl." Rito said.
"Ja. I'm Julie Sigtuna. Pleased to meet you all." The silver haired girl said.
'Scandinavian... Her name and appearance say it all.' Yami thought.
He sighed quietly, not bothering to show any interaction to anyone.
"Okay! So! Have you all gotten used to this place yet?" Rito asked.
Every student replied 'yes' while Yami nodded his head.
"Ah yes! Your student ID can be used as a credit card when you go shopping. You earn a big fat wallet of 100,000 yen each month. You can use it however you desire!" Rito explained.
'I think I'll be overwhelmed with that kind of money...' Yami comically thought.
"Boys, feel free to give some of that yen to Professor Bunbun! Tee-hee!" Rito laughed.
'That would be the end of me...' Yami thought.
Rito began to write on the chalkboard in an erratic yet perfect way. The kanji for 'duo' was written.
"This academy has a special Duo system here. It boils down to students pairing up and living with partners." She explained to the class.
By then, a blue haired girl rose from her seat. Yami knew who she was, considering he recognized the voice.
"Sensei? Why do we have that system?" The girl asked.
Yami looked at the girl who asked the question. Her hair was a navy color, tied at the left with a yellow ribbon. She had brown colored eyes that almost appeared hazel.
'Tachibana Tomoe... An adept martial artist. I know for a fact she was a tough competitor. Her Blaze looked like a kusarigama. Long range and short range combat is her specialty. The same for my Blaze.' He thought.
His thoughts were interrupted when Rito began explaining.
"You'll understand that once you graduate. You'll be placed in the Dorm Agency's peacekeeping corps. There, you will be working in teams, consisting of two people." She said.
"So the academy is stimulating on how the corps works here?" Tomoe questioned.
"Bingo! We have an astute student!" Rito responded childishly.
"Thank you very much." Tomoe responded.
"Duos always work together, regardless of the situation. Together during class and in the dorms - which is why the dorms are provided with double rooms!" Rito resumed.
She then slammed her hand on the teacher desk, getting everyone's attention.
"Here's how the system runs... Duos will be discussed and decided officially by the weekend. Until then, everyone has a temporary Duo!" Rito finished.
'Temporary Duos? Quite a way to rush things…' Yami thought sarcastically.
"These duos are temporary but they come pre assigned. Just like the opening ceremony, the person next to you is your partner." Rito suddenly pointed out.
Yami mentally sighed in relief. He had no one around him. This made him calm down in response.
"However, because of having an odd number of students, Tsubasa Yami will be randomly selected on who to be paired with." Rito explained.
Yami fell on his desk in defeat. He didn't like what was about to happen.
'Why am I hearing this all of a sudden...? Someone is trying to play around with my life…' He deflated.
He then stood up, not liking the present situation.
"I prefer to work alone. I generally don't do well in joining others." Yami said.
"I'm afraid that doesn't work that way, Tsubasa. It's been decided already." Rito said.
"Give me a break..." Yami said.
######
In his dorm room, Yami was being settled down. He was feeling uncomfortable, knowing that someone was bound to show up. In an attempt to calm himself, he provided himself some green tea to drink.
'Life obviously has played its tricks on me... I've been trained as a solo person from my family clan. I can't abandon that principle, not since the massacre occurred.' He thought.
By then, he heard knocking on his door. Yami sighed in response.
"It's open…" He breathed.
By then, a girl suddenly arrived in his dorm. This made him spit out his drink in shock.
'A girl!?' He mentally yelled to himself.
The girl in question was very shy. Her skin was in fair complexion. She had short, chestnut brown hair with two mini-tails laying on her shoulders. Her eyes were a golden color. Overall, the girl's body was petite, but that belies on her voluptuous appearance.
"Um... I-I-I'm Hotoka Miyabi. P-P-pleased to m-m-meet you." The girl stuttered.
'This girl must have some anxiety problems among boys. Her tension is too obvious to notice, considering she was with Tomoe and looked slightly confident. Although I will question the staff on the sudden choice, I might as well endure it.' Yami thought.
He sighed quietly and spoke in a calm tone.
"You already know my name, Hotoka-san…" Yami said.
"Uh, y-yes. Tsu-Tsubasa Y-Yami." she stuttered.
"No need to feel so alert about me. It's how I am." Yami stated.
This got Miyabi to calm down. She still looked nervous with him.
"O-okay. W-we should start sleeping for tomorrow." Miyabi said, trying to control her stuttering.
They noticed there was two separate beds, much to Yami's relief. He chose the bed to the window.
"If you feel uncomfortable with me, you can sleep near the restroom." He commented.
"T-thank you." Miyabi responded meekly.
'This is going to be a long three years.' Yami thought with slight dread.
Opening 1: Fade - One Reason
-Yami was shown in a dark red background. He had a forlorn expression on his face. His hair was being blown wildly from the wind. He then summons his Blaze and fires an arrow to the viewers, displaying the title of the story.-
'Strip the bound of reason and reality. Cut myself and scream for their insanity. Wake up to this nightmare that will never end. Main attraction of this twisted master plan.'
-Yami was shown walking by a path of blood. The path showed his parents being killed. The expression he showed was that of anger. Beyond the bloody path, the characters of the story zoomed in.-
'Trust nothing but pain to get me through the daze. Sleep with one eye open not to be their prey. Fist against my face, they bring my knees. Pressures crushing down so hard, I can't break free.'
-Yami was shown suffering from the memories as a massacre was shown in a hellish landscape. Fire was shown in the background as he watched, clutching his head to stop the tormenting view.-
'When I can feel my skin crawl, when I'm about to crack. The hunger for revenge gives me the strength to stand.'
-Blood spilled from a deep cut on Yami's chest. The wound was deep enough to reach his heart. Before he could yell, he saw the people responsible for nearly killing him. Anger courses in his spirit, making him refuse to die.-
'I will be your Deadman. With nothing but this blood in my hands. Stuck in your wonderland. I wanna make you bleed just like me.'
-Yami and the characters began to fight on several enemies. They all showed their weapons till he displayed his bow. He began to fire arrows at his enemies and used the bow as an attacking weapon. By then, he separated the bow into dual blades and attacked at rapid speed. His irises turned from a blue color to a crimson color, shining brightly.-
'So make me your Deadman. With only poison in my veins. Stuck in your wonderland. Stagnated by the passivity. I'm gonna make you bleed like me!'
-The camera shifts to show Yami stained with blood. He then dashed forward at the next set of enemies. A flurry of slashes appeared, but no blood was shown being spilled. All the enemies collapsed from the sudden attack. Yami then looks at the viewers with his red eyes before they shifted back into a blue color.-
That's all from here. More to come.